The Counterintuitive Success Trait

You probably have your own preconceived notions about what it takes to be successful and the traits that these successful people have.

I often hear the word “humility” being tossed around by people who describe their favorite leaders. What does humility look like in your business?

I started thinking about the business owners that I work with, many of them doctors, that get the best results from my coaching. They all have one thing in common. They know they need help and they want help.

In addition to that, and this is important, they believe they need help.

See doctors are humans too.

An old Japanese proverb comes to mind when I think about knowing you need help:

A great Japanese master received a university professor who came to inquire about wisdom. The master served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. ‘It is overfull. No more will go in!' ‘Like this cup,' the master said, ‘you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you wisdom unless you first empty your cup?'

Successful people know that they don’t have it all figured out. They know that they need help and they ask for it. This is so counter-intuitive to the prevailing wisdom that says great leaders and business owners have all the answers. This also goes against the grain of our own pride that quietly whispers in our ear that “help is for the weak”.

How has positioning yourself like you already have all the answers held you back?

Here are some questions to ask for today:

When was the last time you asked the people that worked for you for their perspective on a situation?

When was the last time you had a mentor or a coach to give you an outside perspective?

When was the last time you talked to your spouse about work and asked for their advice on the situation?